AccountingQA Latest Questions

Ishika Pandey
Ishika PandeyCurious
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  2. SidharthBadlani CA Inter Student

    A bills receivable book is a subsidiary book that shows the details of various bills receivables drawn on customers. It shows the amount, due date, date when the bill was drawn, name of the acceptor, and various other details pertaining to each bill. A bills payable book is a subsidiary book that shRead more

    A bills receivable book is a subsidiary book that shows the details of various bills receivables drawn on customers. It shows the amount, due date, date when the bill was drawn, name of the acceptor, and various other details pertaining to each bill.

    A bills payable book is a subsidiary book that shows the details of various bills that suppliers have drawn on the business. It shows the amount, due date, date when the bill was drawn, name of the drawer and various other details pertaining to each bill.

    The total of both these books is ultimately transferred to the general ledger. From there, it is used in drafting the balance sheet.

    Importance of bills receivable and bills payable books

    Bills receivable books help us know the amount that each customer is liable to pay us on specific dates while bills payable books help us know the amounts that we have to pay our various suppliers on certain dates.

    Together these books help us handle our cash flows in an efficient manner.

    We can evaluate our credit cycle. Bills receivable books help us avoid bad debts while bills payable books help us to avoid defaults.

     

    Difference between bills receivable and bills payable

    These are the primary differences between bills payable and bills receivable:

    • Bills receivable represent the amounts that the business is to receive from customers while bills payable represent the amounts that the business has to pay to suppliers.
    • Bills receivable are recorded as an asset in the balance sheet while bills payable are recorded as a liability.
    • Bills receivable are drawn by the business on the customers while the bills payable are drawn by the suppliers on the business.
    • Bills receivable are the outcome of credit sales while bills payable are the outcome of credit purchases.
    • Bills receivable result in an inflow of cash while bills payable result in an outflow of cash.
    • The dishonor of a bill receivable is recorded as an increase in the debtors of the business. Default on payment of bills payable may occur either because the business has become bankrupt or the business may record an increase in creditors.

    We can conclude that both bills receivable and bills payable books are subsidiary books. Bills receivable shows the details of every bill that the business has drawn on each credit customer. Bills payable show the details of every bill that each credit supplier has drawn on the business.

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Ishika Pandey
Ishika PandeyCurious
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  2. SidharthBadlani CA Inter Student
    This answer was edited.

    Yes, accounting is necessary even for not-for-profit organizations. NPOs or not-for-profit organizations are those that are created for the welfare of the society. They intend to advance some social cause. For example charities, orphanages etc Accounting for NPOs becomes necessary as the trustees ofRead more

    Yes, accounting is necessary even for not-for-profit organizations.

    NPOs or not-for-profit organizations are those that are created for the welfare of the society. They intend to advance some social cause. For example charities, orphanages etc

    Accounting for NPOs becomes necessary as the trustees of these institutions are liable to their members, the donors and the government. They discharge this function with documenting activities of the institution.

     

    What is a not-for-profit organization?

    A not-for-profit organization is an entity that undertakes charitable activities. These institutions do not have earning profit as their primary motive. Their focus is on extending social welfare.

    Every not-for-profit organization usually has a group of trustees that are responsible for handling all its operations. These trustees are accountable to the members of the NPO.

    A not-for-profit organization usually relies on donations and grants as its primary source of revenue. They do not charge the stakeholders to whom they extend their services or goods.

     

    What does accounting for Not-for-profit organizations entail

    The professionals undertaking accounting of not-for-profit organizations must have a significant knowledge of statutory provisions and accounting principles. Here is a brief overview of what accounting for a not-for-profit organizations entails

    • Ensuring that the institution fulfills all the legal compliances necessary for it to continue functioning as a NPO.
    • Documenting all the activities of the institution and ensuring that the NPO has the necessary permits to carry out those activities.
    • Accounting for all the revenue receipts and expenses of the institution. The professional must keep in mind that the interests of the members and other stakeholders are not being subjected to any prejudice.
    • In India, every NPO has to compulsorily prepare a receipt and payment account, income and expenditure account and a balance sheet. These have to be submitted to the Registrar of Societies before the due dates.

    • Every professional undertaking the accounting of a not-for-profit organization must keep in mind that a single non-compliance or partial-compliance can result in the NPO losing out on its tax-exempt status.
    • In the past there have been many instances when NPOs have been used for the purpose of money laundering or tax evasion.
    • This has resulted in the government making the compliances for these institutions more stringent. The institutions are now required to be more transparent regarding their operations.

    We can conclude that accounting is an indispensable requirements for not-for-profit organizations to be able to continue their operations and claim the statutory benefits that the government has extended to them.

     

     

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Ishika Pandey
Ishika PandeyCurious
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  2. SidharthBadlani CA Inter Student
    This answer was edited.

    Yes, the account receivable is a sub ledger account. It is an account that is used to record the payment history of each and every customer to whom the business has sold goods or provided services on credit. Accounts receivable represent the amount that the customers owe to the business with respectRead more

    Yes, the account receivable is a sub ledger account. It is an account that is used to record the payment history of each and every customer to whom the business has sold goods or provided services on credit.

    Accounts receivable represent the amount that the customers owe to the business with respect to the goods sold or services provided to them on credit. They are also known as trade receivable or debtors.

    The accounts receivable subledger shows various details of every transaction like the invoice number, amount due, date of payment, discount allowed etc. The subledger accounts are also known as the subsidiary accounts.

     

    Difference between general ledger and subledger accounts

    Here is a list of the major differences between sub-ledgers and the general ledger:

    • The subsidiary accounts or the sub ledger are a subset of the general ledger. In other words we can say that subsidiary accounts are a part of the general ledger.
    • The trial balance is prepared with the help of the general ledger and not with the help of subsidiary accounts.
    • The trial balance is prepared with the help of the general ledger and not with the help of subsidiary accounts.
    • The subledger accounts help us to store large volumes of data. They provide us with detailed and comprehensive analysis of each item of financial statements. On the other hand, a general ledger provides us with superficial information about every item in one place.

    Importance/ use of Subsidiary Account

    The usefulness of an accounts receivable sub ledger account lies in the fact that it provides detailed information about the money different customers owe to the business.

    For example, the general ledger account may show that the total balance of trade receivable is 1 lakh without indicating the individual amount that each customer owes to the business. The subsidiary account can help us by showing that customer A owes 50000 rupees, customer B owes 30000 rupees while customer C owes 20000 rupees.

    In short, the subsidiary accounts provide detailed information about each and every transaction. They help us to find useful information quickly and easily. They help us analyze the business policies and take corrective actions.

    Thus, we can conclude that accounts receivable is a subledger account that provides us detailed information about the various credit transactions and the amount that each customer owes to the business. It helps us analyze our credit policies and take corrective actions. It helps us identify and classify bad debts as such on

     

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Ishika Pandey
Ishika PandeyCurious
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  2. SidharthBadlani CA Inter Student
    This answer was edited.

    Debtors are treated as an asset. A debtor is a person or an entity who owes an amount to an enterprise against credit sales of goods and/or services rendered. When goods are sold to a person on credit that person is called a debtor because he owes that much amount to the enterprise. Debtors are consRead more

    Debtors are treated as an asset.

    A debtor is a person or an entity who owes an amount to an enterprise against credit sales of goods and/or services rendered.

    When goods are sold to a person on credit that person is called a debtor because he owes that much amount to the enterprise.

    Debtors are considered assets in the balance sheet and are shown under the head of current assets.

    For example – Ram Sold goods to Sam on credit, Sam did not pay for the goods immediately, so here Sam is the debtor for Ram because he owes the amount to Ram. This amount will be payable at a later date.

    Liabilities Vs Assets

    Liabilities

    It means the amount owed (payable) by the business.  Liability towards the owners ( proprietor or partners ) of the business is termed internal liability. For example, owner’s capital, etc

    On the other hand, liability towards outsiders, i.e., other than owners ( proprietors or partners ) is termed as an external liability.
    For example creditors, bank overdrafts, etc.

    Assets

    An asset is a resource owned or controlled by a company. The benefit from the asset will accrue to the business in current and future periods. In other words, it’s something that a company owns or controls and can use to generate profits today and in the future.
    For example – machinery, building, etc.

    Current assets are defined as cash and other assets that are expected to be converted into cash or consumed in the production of goods or rendering of services in the normal course of business. They are readily realizable into cash.

    In other words, we can say that the expected realization period of current assets is less than the operating cycle period.

    For example, goods are purchased with the purpose to resell and earn a profit, debtors exist to convert them into cash i.e., receive the amount from them, bills receivable exist again for receiving cash against it, etc.

     

    Why debtors are treated as assets?

    Now let me explain to you why debtors are treated as assets and not as liabilities because of the following characteristics :

    • We can say that the expected realization period is less than the operating cycle period.
    • Expected to be converted into cash in the normal course of business.
    • In the business, debtors are treated as current assets which we can see on the asset side of the balance sheet.
    • Debtors have a debit balance.

     

    Conclusion

    Now after the above discussion, I can conclude that debtors are considered to be an asset and not a liability.

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SidharthBadlani
SidharthBadlani
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  2. Ishika Pandey Curious ca aspirant
    This answer was edited.

    Definition Contingent Asset is an asset the existence, ownership, or value of which may be known or determined only on the occurrence or non-occurrence of one or more uncertain future events. However, the difference between Contingent assets is not disclosed whereas Contingent liabilities are discloRead more

    Definition

    Contingent Asset is an asset the existence, ownership, or value of which may be known or determined only on the occurrence or non-occurrence of one or more uncertain future events.

    However, the difference between Contingent assets is not disclosed whereas Contingent liabilities are disclosed by way of notes they do have different criteria for recognition which are discussed below.

    For example:– a claim that an enterprise is pursuing through the legal process, where the outcome is uncertain, is a contingent asset.

    Contingent liabilities are defined as obligations relating to existing conditions or situations which may arise in the future depending on the occurrence or non-occurrence of one or more uncertain events.

    For example:- Billis discounted but not yet matured, arrears of dividend on cum –preferences-shares, etc.

    Meaning as per AS – 29

    Now let me try to explain to you the meaning according to Accounting Standard 29 of the above contingent assets and liabilities which is as follows:-

    • Contingent asset

    A contingent asset is a possible asset that arises from past events the existence of which will be confirmed only by the occurrence or non-occurrence of one or more uncertain future events.
    Not wholly within the control of the enterprise.

    It usually arises from unplanned or unexpected events that give rise to the possibility of an inflow of economic benefits to the enterprise.

    • Contingent liability

    A possible obligation that arises from past events the existence of which will be confirmed only by the occurrence or non-occurrence of one or more uncertain future events.
    Not wholly within the control of the enterprise.

    A present obligation that arises from past events but is not recognized because it is not probable that the outflow of resources embodying economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation or,
    A reliable estimate of the amount of obligation cannot be made.

    Recognition In Financial Statements

    Contingent assets and liabilities are recognized as follows:-

    • Contingent Assets

    As per the prudence concept s well as present accounting standards, an enterprise should not recognize a contingent asset.

    It is possible that the recognition of contingent assets may result in the recognition of income that may never be realized.

    However, when the realization of income is virtually certain, the related asset no longer remains contingent.

    • Contingent liability

    As per the rules, it is not recognized by an enterprise.

    When recognized?

    Contingent assets are assessed continually and if it has become virtuality an outflow of economic benefits will arise.

    The assets and the related income are recognized in the financial statements of the period in which the change occurs.

    Contingent liability is assessed continually to determine whether an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits has become probable.

    And if it becomes probable that an outflow or future economic benefits will require for an item previously dealt with as a contingent liability.

    A provision is recognized in financial statements of the period in which the change probability occurs except in extremely rare circumstances where no reliable estimate can be made.

    Disclosure

    Now we will see how contingent assets and liability are disclosed which is mentioned below:-

    • Contingent asset

    These contingent assets are not disclosed in financial statements.
    A contingent asset is usually disclosed in the report of the approving authority ( ie.e., Board Of Directors in the case of a company, and the corresponding approving authority in case of any enterprise), if ab inflow of economic benefits is probable.

    • Contingent Assets

    A contingent liability is required to be disclosed by way of a note to the balance sheet unless the possibility of an outflow of a resource embodying economic benefit is remote.

     

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SidharthBadlani
SidharthBadlani
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  2. Ishika Pandey Curious ca aspirant
    This answer was edited.

    Definition Posting refers to moving the transaction entries from the journal to the ledger books of the company. It is an important part of the accounting cycle. Posting helps us to classify transactions in a better manner. A journal is used to record transactions in chronological order while ledgerRead more

    Definition

    Posting refers to moving the transaction entries from the journal to the ledger books of the company. It is an important part of the accounting cycle.

    Posting helps us to classify transactions in a better manner.

    A journal is used to record transactions in chronological order while ledger books are used to classify transactions into assets, liabilities, expenses, and incomes.

    Steps of Posting

    • Create and name ledger accounts for different items of trial balance

    • Identify those entries in the journal that relate to the relevant ledger book under consideration.

    • Post the entry on the debit or credit side of the ledger account.

    • For example, when salaries are paid a salary account is debited and a bank account is credited. When posting this transaction in the bank account we will debit the bank account and write “To salaries” under the head “particular”. This will indicate that salaries were paid from a bank account causing a reduction in the bank balance.

    • After all the journal entries relevant to a particular ledger account have been posted in it, we will tally the total of the debit and the credit side of the ledger account to ascertain any balance left.

    • Usually, asset accounts have the debit side exceeding the credit side. That is to say, they have a debit balance. Liability accounts usually have a credit balance.

    • It is not necessary that every ledger account may have a balance left at the end. The total of the amounts on the debit side may be equal to the total of the amounts on the credit side in some ledger accounts.

    • The last step is to recheck the ledger account to identify and correct any mistakes that may have occurred during the posting process.

    Importance of Posting

    • Posting helps us to classify transactions in a better and more efficient manner.

    • Posting makes the books of accounts more readable.

    • An accountant may choose to engage in posting once every month or even once every day as per the requirements of the business and the financial reporting norms.

    • Posting is necessary for the creation of financial statements. A trial balance cannot be drafted without determining the balance of each ledger account.

    • Posting helps us to know the balance of each account This helps to run the business smoothly by tracking balances timely and making up for any likely deficiency in advance.

    • Analysis of how balances of various ledger accounts have changed over time helps us to draw valuable conclusions for the business.

    Conclusion

    We can conclude by saying that the process of posting refers to transferring the entries from the journal to the ledger accounts.

    Posting is an essential step of the accounting cycle and without it, financial statements cannot be prepared. Any error while posting is bound to adversely affect the creation of the financial statements.

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